How do you tell if your Windows computer has a virus and is infected? Seriously! You have an antivirus software installed, and you go about using the computer with the feeling that it is well-protected and hence malware-free. But maybe, just maybe, there could be malware or a Trojan or a key logger operating on your computer without your knowledge and compromising your security or damaging your data.
How do you tell if your computer has a virus?
Is your Windows computer infected? Learn to recognize malware infections and signs, and symptoms that will tell you if your Windows PC has a computer virus. In this post, we will see some of the symptoms of malware infection, that will tell you if your computer was compromised or infected with a computer virus.
Read: How can you get a computer virus or malware.
Symptoms of Malware Infection
The typical symptoms that your computer may have been compromised are:
- Change in your browser home page or default search
- Your web browser hangs or becomes sluggish
- Your computer starts behaving sluggishly or hangs often
- You are unable to open security-related sites or Microsoft.com domains.
- You get re-directed to web pages you did not intend to visit
- Unexpected toolbars in your browser
- Security software or Firewall disabled
- Your security software throws up warnings, or its icon turns red or something.
- Pop-ups while browsing, unknown or excessive
- Balloon Notifications from your system tray
- Excessive CPU or Memory utilization
- Internet or data transfer activity – The modem appears to be working overtime
- You start seeing unexpected Windows error messages
- Some programs start automatically
- Some important Windows functions or features are disabled. Eg, Task Manager, Registry Editor, Control Panel, Command Prompt, etc.
- New unknown, unwanted software installed, etc.
- You see new icons on your desktop suddenly.
If you see any of these signs it is quite possible that your computer may have become infected with a virus or malware.
Microsoft has introduced many security features in the Windows operating system which were further improved upon in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Nevertheless, should your computer get infected with malware, there are ways to remove malware infections.
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This should be common knowledge for every PC User !
There’s always one smart arse! For many people, the advi e will be well received. Thank you!
JC
The more this although this should be “common knowledge” for PC users, unfortunately it is not. So spreading this kind of information is sure a step in the right direction to making all PC users aware of the common signs and prevalence of malware among computers connected to the internet.
I have to add; “Your computer takes on a mind of it’s own.” Now a few will say that this relates to a few tips above, but the public understands this statement, and in many instances relate to this more than anything else posted above. Mention this to a computer user and they can tell you yes or no if their computer relates to it.
So how come I can’t clean my PC with this free application. All I get at the register link is the option to use PayPal or my plastic. Still, as it said, the DOWNLOAD AND WASTED TIME WERE FREE…
8. Your security software throws up warnings or its icon turns red or something.
Yeah. Something.
Because this site like many others tell you about the problem and offer to diagnose not fix it for free. (I like this site for information, but they seem to be only wanting to sell something)
My vaio win 7 laptop did not accept my password so I restarted it, screen went black, message pops up then disappears before I can read it, now it will not turn off but the monitor is black, wtf is going on?
Boot into Safe Mode and restore your computer back.